Xu Zhinan was unexpectedly pulled back into the bedroom, still drowsy from sleep. She hadn’t seen anything clearly and didn’t know why Lin Qingye had done this.

She paused, blinked, and asked blankly: “What’s wrong?”

“There’s a TV crew outside with cameras, and it seems they’re livestreaming.”

Xu Zhinan was completely stunned: “Huh? Then just now…?”

“It should be fine, this shirt is quite long.”

Only when he mentioned it did Xu Zhinan realize she was still wearing his shirt.

Coming out of the bedroom early in the morning wearing Lin Qingye’s clothes with bare legs—what that implied required no further explanation.

Xu Zhinan instantly wanted to crawl into a hole, wishing she could bury her head and never face anyone again.

With the production crew still outside, it wouldn’t be appropriate for Lin Qingye to stay in the bedroom with her too long. Xu Zhinan urged: “You should go out first, then.”

“What about you?”

“I won’t go out. I won’t speak either, I’ll just stay here.” Xu Zhinan said softly.

“Alright.” Lin Qingye stroked her head. “I’ll bring your clothes in later.”

“No need, didn’t you say they’re livestreaming? You bringing clothes might start more talk.”

Her skin was thin, and they had just officially gone public in this manner. Lin Qingye went along with her wishes: “That’s fine. You rest a bit more, and once they leave, we’ll have breakfast.”

As he spoke, he bent down to kiss her lips, his hand sliding down her back over the shirt, asking in a low voice, “Does this still hurt?”

“…It’s a bit uncomfortable.”

Lin Qingye frowned: “I’ll check it for you after they leave. We might need to apply some medicine.”

Xu Zhinan’s face heated up. She didn’t want to continue this topic in the current situation, even though no one outside could hear: “Go outside quickly, don’t keep people waiting.”

“Alright.”

Lin Qingye turned up the air conditioning temperature a bit before opening the bedroom door and going out. He tidied up the living room briefly before letting Shen Linlin and her crew in.

In the kitchen, the noodles he’d put in earlier had congealed with all the interruptions.

Lin Qingye took the noodles out and threw them in the trash, glancing sideways at Shen Linlin in the living room: “Have you eaten?”

“I have,” Shen Linlin said. “What, if I hadn’t, would you, Lin Qingye, double Golden Melody Award winner, personally make me a bowl of noodles?”

Her tone was sarcastic, as if deliberately mocking him.

Lin Qingye chuckled lightly, and denied it just as directly: “No, we could have called room service.”

“…” Shen Linlin rolled her eyes. “Then why were you cooking noodles just now?”

Lin Qingye nodded toward the bedroom: “For her.”

Shen Linlin was speechless: “Your girlfriend isn’t coming out?”

“Mm, she’s still not used to facing cameras. Let her be. I’ll make her noodles again when this is over.” Lin Qingye spoke casually, washed his hands, and returned to the living room to sit in front of the camera.

Shen Linlin pointed at the livestream camera: “Say hello.”

Lin Qingye waved at the camera, his voice calm, showing no embarrassment at having been caught earlier: “Hello everyone, I’m Lin Qingye.”

At this moment, Xu Zhinan in the bedroom had already quickly looked through various trending topics on Weibo. The current livestream has also risen to the top rankings. She clicked in, hiding in the bedroom, watching the livestream just a wall away.

Comments scrolled rapidly.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!! I’m going crazy!!!!

Did anyone see the red marks on brother’s neck?! Could those be hickeys?!!!

When did they get together? How did this suddenly turn into an adults-only scene??

Damn, an earthquake in bed after a concert, Brother Ye has great stamina.

And did you guys hear what that young lady said just now?

Hahahahaha I heard it!! And her voice also sounded a bit cold, wuwuwu I feel like the young lady has such a personality, and she’s a tattoo artist! Quite different from her appearance

True! She seems like a soft-faced girl with a domineering personality!!!

…

Xu Zhinan’s eyes scanned down: “…”

Earlier, she was indeed a bit irritated with Lin Qingye because of last night, and when calling him, she used his full name instead of the usual “Brother Qingye.” She hadn’t expected it to be interpreted this way.

And also…

Hickeys…?

Xu Zhinan watched the livestream with earphones, leaning closer to look at Lin Qingye. The filter was heavy, but she could still see a red spot on his neck.

Scenes from last night flashed through Xu Zhinan’s mind. She patted her face and shook her head.

She temporarily exited the livestream and sent Lin Qingye a message: Fix your collar, there seems to be a red spot, and many people in the livestream are talking about it.

After sending it, she entered the livestream again.

She could see the living room just a wall away. Lin Qingye leaned forward to pick up his phone from the coffee table, looked at it, and then adjusted his clothes as she suggested.

Xu Zhinan just breathed a sigh of relief when she saw new messages in the comments.

Hahahahaha the comments have been talking about hickeys for a while, and brother adjusted after checking his messages. Did the young lady in the bedroom text him?!

So! Is the Locust Girl watching the livestream with me right now?!

Ahhhhhhh it’s sister-in-law!!!!!

Young lady, come out!! We couldn’t see you just now!!!

Xu Zhinan: “…”

She had underestimated the fans’ observation skills.

Li Yan called her at this moment.

Xu Zhinan climbed out of bed, worried that taking the call here would be audible outside. She planned to go to the bathroom to answer, but as soon as she got out of bed, she couldn’t help letting out a “hiss”—her inner thighs were too sore.

She paused for a moment before slowly shuffling into the bathroom.

As soon as she answered the call, Li Yan’s roar came through. He had seen the tattoo from the concert but didn’t yet know that Xu Zhinan had appeared in the livestream, confirming the relationship. Li Yan was still asking if that tattoo was her.

“Master, and it looks exactly like that self-portrait I saw in your tattoo design book before. Did you tattoo Lin Qingye? Now everyone online is saying you’re the girl he likes! What’s going on? With such a formidable rival, your father-in-law must be furious, right?!”

Li Yan rambled on.

Xu Zhinan didn’t know where to begin explaining.

After hesitating for a while, she simply said, “Your father-in-law is Lin Qingye.”

The phone went silent for a long time, then Li Yan screamed: “Lin Qingye!!??”

“…Mm.”

“Why didn’t you ever say anything?!”

“We weren’t ready to go public then, and his identity is special, so I thought I’d tell you all later.”

Li Yan felt like the world was spinning. He remembered that once when he called Xu Zhinan, her boyfriend had answered, and now he realized he had been talking to Lin Qingye.

Thinking further, he recalled seeing kiss marks on Xu Zhinan’s collar before, and now he knew who was responsible.

Li Yan now understood what it felt like to have his boss be the girlfriend of a top celebrity.

In the living room.

Since the TV crew had come with Shen Linlin for this surprise inspection, at this moment, the questions naturally revolved around the girlfriend who had just been revealed.

Lin Qingye answered them one by one. He had always been forthright, and now there was even less need to hide anything.

When asked the question fans cared about most—did it take ten years of pursuit before finally winning her over?

Lin Qingye smiled: “We’ve been together for some time. We got together the last time I saw her before I went to prison.”

The host was stunned, and even Shen Linlin, hearing the exact time they got together for the first time, was equally surprised.

This timing was extremely delicate.

Not after his release, but before his imprisonment, even the very last time they met before he went to prison.

Lin Qingye continued to explain: “If you count all that time, we have indeed been together for quite a while, but at that time I was just starting over, facing a lot of criticism, and hadn’t yet achieved results to prove myself. I didn’t want to make our relationship public and have her criticized alongside me.”

Ahhhhhh what divine love is this!

Were they together before he went to prison? Damn, I want to cry again. Fans suffered so much during those years of waiting, I can’t imagine what the young lady went through.

Damn accompanied you through the lowest valley and now to the peak!!! Successfully held the stock!!! I’ll respectfully call her sister-in-law first!!!

…

Lin Qingye didn’t elaborate on the details of their relationship. He wasn’t one to discuss such things with strangers.

And because this surprise inspection was at his hotel, not his home, there wasn’t much to inspect. They only filmed his instrument room for a while, asked a few more questions, and then wrapped up.

After seeing the group off and closing the door, Lin Qingye returned to the bedroom.

“Did you watch the livestream too?” he asked with a smile.

Xu Zhinan nodded, sitting on the edge of the bed and opening her arms to him.

Lin Qingye walked over, bent down to embrace her, and could feel her hands stroking his hair. He chuckled softly: “Why so clingy suddenly?”

Xu Zhinan sniffled, hugged him a while longer, and then let go.

“Still hurting?” he suddenly asked, bringing the topic back to that again.

“…” Xu Zhinan couldn’t help complaining, “Why do you keep asking about this?”

Lin Qingye smiled: “What’s wrong with that? Between boyfriend and girlfriend, I’m worried I hurt you yesterday.”

“You know it would hurt, so why weren’t you more careful then?”

“I just couldn’t help myself for a moment.” Lin Qingye touched his nose to hers, making a move to push her down on the bed. “Let me see.”

Xu Zhinan immediately placed a foot against his chest, pushing him away, hurriedly saying: “I’m not hurting anymore, don’t look.”

Lin Qingye raised an eyebrow: “Really not hurting?”

“Mm, just sore legs, they’ll be better in a few days.”

Lin Qingye looked at her for a while, and seeing that she indeed wasn’t in pain, he smiled, flicking her chin with his index finger, speaking lazily: “Our A’Nan has good adaptability.”

“…”

As for what kind of adaptability, Xu Zhinan didn’t want to know.

By noon, the three people from the neighboring suite had finally woken up and learned about everything that had happened last night and this morning. Through this comedy of errors, Lin Qingye and Xu Zhinan had accidentally made their relationship public.

In the afternoon, everyone packed their luggage and returned to Yan City.

On the way, the relationship between Ji Yan and Shi Si seemed a bit off. Xu Zhinan didn’t know what they had said after she and Lin Qingye left.

Anyway, they barely spoke the entire journey to the airport, though Shi Si kept carrying Ji Yan’s luggage, and Ji Yan didn’t refuse.

Lin Qingye was completely hands-off when it came to his bandmates’ love lives, showing no interest and asking no questions.

Originally, they had booked tickets for noon, but since everyone was running late, they changed to the afternoon.

Lin Qingye never publicized his schedule and never let fans meet him at the airport. However, when going to T City airport, someone had spotted him and probably posted it online. As soon as they disembarked in Yan City, they could hear fans calling Lin Qingye’s name from a distance.

Xu Zhinan looked toward the sound and was startled.

Those fans had seen her too, and the screams became chaotic.

She was still not used to such scenes and instinctively hid behind Lin Qingye.

Lin Qingye was pushing a suitcase with one hand and holding Xu Zhinan’s hand with the other. He used his shoulder to shield her.

Guan Chi and the other two were very perceptive, said a word to him, and left first.

“I’ll go over there for a bit,” Lin Qingye bent down to tell Xu Zhinan.

His voice was very low, and the fans were quite orderly, standing in line with banners not far away, though they were now in a state where any interaction excited them, and they all started screaming again.

Xu Zhinan paused, didn’t speak, just obediently nodded.

Lin Qingye walked over to the fans, greeted everyone, chatted for a few sentences, and then told everyone not to come to the airport in the future.

After saying goodbye to the fans, Lin Qingye took Xu Zhinan’s hand and left.

This was the first time they had ever walked hand in hand so openly in public.

Even back in university, they had never been this open.

Xu Zhinan felt a bit dazed for a moment. When Lin Qingye took her hand, she unconsciously tried to pull away slightly, but he caught her again, holding tighter.

He lowered his head: “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” Xu Zhinan also held his hand firmly, speaking softly, “Just still not quite used to it.”

He smiled: “Then you’d better hurry up and get used to it.”

Soon, videos of the two leaving the airport together were also posted online by fans.

Every detail was scrutinized and interpreted again and again.

For instance, when Lin Qingye spoke to Xu Zhinan, she only nodded without verbally responding; and when they first held hands, Xu Zhinan had made a slight movement to pull away.

Beyond that, the two had completely different demeanors.

Lin Qingye was very relaxed, smiling much more than before, speaking with a smile, while Xu Zhinan was the opposite—not showing much of a smile, appearing somewhat cold and aloof.

In truth, it was just because Xu Zhinan was still uncomfortable with cameras and deliberately controlled her expressions, but in the fans’ eyes, it was something entirely different:

Wuwuwu what beautiful love story is this between a silly sweet celebrity and a cold tattoo artist!!!

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh is this Lin Qingye!!! How is he completely different from what I’ve seen on TV before???

When has this brother ever looked so silly and sweet???

Hahahahahahaha Lin Qingye is truly showing dog-like devotion after catching his long-time crush, it’s too cute!!! He can’t stop smiling!!!

Damn!!! So sweet!!!!!

I always wondered what kind of girl could stand next to Lin Qingye without looking inferior, and now I’ve seen her!!! The young lady is truly gorgeous ahhh!! Completely my type!!

Has no one noticed that the young lady’s blue hair is the same color as Brother Ye’s previous style? And according to the Pingchuan University forum, she’s had it for several years, seemingly dyed after his incident, wuwuwu kdlkdl!!!

Directors of various dating reality shows, look over here!! Have you seen your future ratings guarantee?!!!

…

However, Xu Zhinan’s cold and aloof image didn’t last long before facing frequent “character collapses.”

Now that everyone knew Xu Zhinan’s face, and perhaps because Lin Qingye rarely had new material outside of his work, fans had developed strong investigative abilities.

Soon, someone found a photo from a previous music festival that had captured Xu Zhinan.

Blue hair, easy to spot.

Then, a fan recording from the Golden Melody Awards ceremony caught attention, with a small text in the corner of a large yacht donation effect reading “Xu Zhinan sends 100 red roses.”

Finally, there was a video related to “Lin Qingye’s comeback first concert on April 30th” posted by the fan support association. It was 12 minutes long, showing everything from morning support displays to everyone’s passion and emotion in the evening—a very stirring video.

But a scene at the five-and-a-half-minute mark again caught everyone’s attention.

While filming everyone holding banners and chanting slogans in unison, that familiar blue long hair appeared in the background. The young woman was crouching in front of a small stall, picking through various Lin Qingye merchandise.

The stall owner, probably seeing a wealthy and irrational fan—a big spender—was eagerly recommending various merchandise to her.

Hahahahahahahahahahaha what’s going on, isn’t this supposed to be a cool girl? Why does she seem kind of silly and cute??

I can imagine my brother’s future status at home, sending only 100 yuan donations.

Hahahahahaha I feel balanced now, so sister-in-law has to buy merchandise just like us! This is too down-to-earth!!

Rofl, while other fans are loudly chanting slogans in support, sister-in-law is like a little prairie dog with starry eyes picking out her boyfriend’s merchandise.

Cold image collapsed!!!

Ahhh so cute, when will sister-in-law livestream with Brother Ye, I want to steal sister-in-law from Brother Ye!!

…

After returning to Yan City, Xu Zhinan rested for a day. That evening, Li Yan called to say the shop couldn’t handle it anymore—many of Lin Qingye’s fans had come to visit today.

The shop was named “Whispers,” the same as Lin Qingye’s album name, though with different meanings.

Fortunately, when people learned Xu Zhinan wasn’t at the shop today, they left quickly. After about an hour of congestion, things finally returned to normal.

The real commotion came the next day when Xu Zhinan went to the shop.

Early in the morning, many fans were already waiting outside the tattoo shop. Xu Zhinan had taken leave to go to T City for the concert the past two days and felt guilty, so she was the first to arrive.

She walked with her head down, and not far away came a burst of screams.

Fans were already waiting at the shop door.

As soon as Xu Zhinan looked up, fans began to excitedly discuss in hushed tones.

“She’s so beautiful!!”

“What should we call her?”

“Sister-in-law?”

Then the group of girls said in unison: “Hello, sister-in-law!”

Xu Zhinan gave a soft “Ah,” and greeted them back: “Hello everyone.” She opened the door. “Come in first.”

The girls went in with her: “Young lady, we’re all Lin Qingye’s fans.”

Xu Zhinan smiled: “I know.”

The girls huddled together and whispered: “Ahhh her voice is so gentle too!!”

“But Lin Qingye didn’t come to the shop with me. He doesn’t come here much,” Xu Zhinan said, thinking they were waiting for Lin Qingye.

“No, no, we were just curious and wanted to see you.”

“I see, but I have several clients coming in a while.”

The group of girls waved their hands: “Sister, don’t worry, we won’t affect your work.”

To prove they wouldn’t interfere with her work, they asked her several questions about tattoos, and then asked: “Sister, did you tattoo that image on Brother Ye’s back?”

“Mm, yes, that was a few years ago.”

The girls had expressions of being extremely satisfied with this shipping content: “Wuwuwu! Divine love!”

Soon, a previously scheduled tattoo customer arrived. They had clearly also seen the news online and pushed open the door with an excited face like they wanted to say something to her, but turned their head to see the girls and immediately guessed they were Lin Qingye’s fans.

She smiled knowingly without asking more: “A’Nan, do you have time to tattoo me now?”

“Yes, please sit down. I’ll prepare.”

Xu Zhinan put on gloves, went over to say a word to the fans, who were quite understanding and quickly left.

But as soon as one batch left, the next arrived.

Everyone was too curious about the girlfriend Lin Qingye had longed for many years.

Xu Zhinan had three appointments today—two small jobs and one large one. She was busy from morning until evening, with fans around observing in rotating groups.

Lin Qingye’s super topic already had many fans posting photos of Xu Zhinan from today.

Wuwuwu the young lady’s personality is super good! Not cold at all!!!

And up close she’s really gorgeous, with amazing presence!

I watched in her shop for a while and left. Suddenly I want a tattoo too, it’s completely different from what I always thought. The designs the young lady creates are all super beautiful! They don’t look out of place on girls!

Me too! Suddenly super want a tattoo!

…

Lin Qingye went to the company today, dealing with some post-concert work, finishing only in the evening.

Wang Qi asked: “Have you seen the news about A’Nan online?”

“The ones about her shop?”

“Mm.”

“I saw it at noon and sent her a message asking about the situation. It’s nothing serious, just that it will affect her work somewhat, and she’s not the type who likes to hype things up.”

Though with this development, Xu Zhinan’s business would improve.

Wang Qi: “So what do you plan to do?”

“I’ll say something to the fans later.”

“Alright, that commotion you two caused yesterday was inevitable. I see the fans’ reactions are quite good. Fortunately, there’s nothing negative that can be dug up about A’Nan. Think of how many top stars’ relationships can’t withstand deep investigation when they announce them.”

While pondering this issue, Lin Qingye sent Xu Zhinan a message asking if she was done.

Leaving the Chuanqi Entertainment Company, Lin Qingye drove directly to the tattoo shop.

At the shop door, Xu Zhinan still hadn’t replied to his earlier text.

Lin Qingye looked up into the shop. Xu Zhinan was still busy and hadn’t noticed her phone. There were three or four girls beside her, probably his fans.

As summer approached, the days were getting longer, but outside it was already dark.

Lin Qingye leaned against the seat back and watched for a while, slowly lowered the car window, then took out his phone, opened the camera, and took a photo of Xu Zhinan in the shop.

Her tattoo shop was decorated with style—black, white, and gray colors, with many flowing totem designs on the walls, very fitting for a tattoo shop.

In the photo, the young woman was working with her head down, wearing a mask, looking beautiful and gentle.

Her temperament contrasted with the tattoo shop, making her seem like a pure little deer who had wandered into a dark forest.

Lin Qingye looked at the photo for a while, quite satisfied.

He opened Weibo and logged into his account that had never posted any content itself. He even had to try the password several times before successfully logging in.

His fingertips paused on the screen for a moment. Sitting alone in the car, he laughed softly and slowly typed a few words:

[Lin Qingye✓: Picking up my girlfriend after work.]

Attached was the photo he had just taken.

As soon as this Weibo post was published, comments surged upward.

What the hell??? What am I seeing!!!???

Lin Qingye posted on Weibo?????

Shocking! So this Weibo account is Lin Qingye’s! After eight years!

Hahahahaha, why has this brother’s style suddenly changed since announcing his relationship?

Brother! This is Weibo, not WeChat moments!!!